When the debut TOKYO MOTOR FIST record was announced it had all sorts of visions running through my head as to how it would sound. Will it sound like DANGER DANGER because of the melodic and identifiable vocals of Ted Poley? Will it sound like TRIXTER or even 40 FT. RINGO because of Steve Brown’s involvement? Would it sound like classic hard rock because of the veteran rhythm section of Greg Smith (RAINBOW, TED NUGENT, etc.) and Chuck Burgi (RAINBOW, currently BILLY JOEL’s band) being on board or would it even sound like the collective influences of the guys with some DEF LEPPARD, VAN HALEN and KISS seeping through? The possibilities were many but now having the chance to finally hear it I can say it all makes sense and sounds just like what it should… parts of all of the above!

You can hear Steve Brown’s talents in many of the songs with his feel-good and riff-tastic songwriting and production style and throwing Poley’s vocals into the mix they mesh perfectly due to his melodic and anthemic vocal style. Opening the album is “Pickin’ Up The Pieces” and the song sounds like a cross between modern day TRIXTER and DANGER DANGER. Brown has a knack for melody and Poley is no slouch in that department either so whether it’s the guitars, lead vocals or backing vocals it all just sounds melodically good!

“Love Me Insane” is very TRIXTER sounding while adding some huge wall of sound backing vocals that have a DEF LEPPARD feel and while most are aware that Brown filled in with DEF LEP for periods over the last few years you can really hear how his songwriting style is very close to vintage LEP but with his own twist of melodic power pop and hard rock thrown in. “Shameless” is vintage DANGER DANGER to me. Its part power poppy but is just pure melodic rock bliss with a great guitar riff and solo by Brown reminiscent of TRIXTER and even 40 FT. RINGO. The song is an early favorite for sure as it is infectious as they come. “Love” brings a DEF LEPPARD semi-ballad vibe with the instrumentation, especially the guitar tone and the backing vocals and “Black And Blue” charges things back up with a Ted Poley solo material vibe.

“You’re My Revolution” is a great track with a 40 FT. RINGO or even SR-71 vibe mixed with some Ted Poley from his solo offerings. The track works real well with sort of a power pop feel. “Don’t Let Me Go” slows things down with a classic melodic rock sound and Poley showing off his classy vocal style. “Put Me To Shame” is a high point off the album with its highly charged sound mixing TRIXTER, DEF LEP and even some VAN HALEN into the mix. You can really appreciate the thick production of the album with this song. “Done To Me” is an average mid-paced rocker that maybe doesn’t break any new ground but churns along with a certain amount of attitude. The chorus is melodic at the very least and the drums and guitar interplay is interesting during the break. “Get You Off My Mind”, which sounds like a cross between Ted Poley’s last solo album and current TRIXTER. I like the feel of the track and the catchy hook can get caught in your head upon repeated listens. It comes off as one of my favorite tracks on the record and the melodic guitars of Steve Brown are perfect for the feel of the song also. Ending the record is “Fallin’ Apart” and it has certain urgency to its sound but is very slick and melodic as well. I can hear bits and pieces of DANGER DANGER and 40 FT. RINGO at its core.

The debut from TOKYO MOTOR FIST is a more than enjoyable affair from these veterans of the US melodic rock scene. The driving force is clearly equal parts Steve Brown and Ted Poley, with their collective influences all in tow but the solid rhythm section of Greg Smith and Chuck Burgi add to the density of the sound as much as Brown’s thick and solid production. It’s simple in that if you enjoy any of the aforementioned bands talked about in the review you will certainly dig TMF. Now will this band ever play a live show? That could be fun!